My iPhone 16 Pro Max's screen is getting scratched easily

stephenstruss wrote:

I hate to add to the pile here but I too have had a bunch of spider cracking on the corner of my 16 Pro Max screen. Only have had the phone for +/- 10 days, in a good case since I got it and never dropped. My 12 Pro Max (!!!) had a spotless screen after 4+ years of heavy use. What are my options here? I love the phone, can I get another to replace the screen or do I have to go down the Applecare route?

Cosmetic damage is not covered by AppleCare. Put a good quality screen protector on it and it will hide the scratches you have and avoid future scratches. Apple also won't replace the phone for screen scratches as it is again, considered cosmetic damage.

I’ve had my iPhone 16 pro max for almost a week now and it already has a micro scratch that I can notice in certain lighting conditions and when my finger nail hits it. I got a screen protector the other day. This is the first phone I have had to get a screen protector for.

Hello~ Yes…I understand perfectly and don’t have this issue at all…why?? Because I choose to use a screen protector…period. What I do not understand is coming here to complain about it. I do understand this…I am a proactive participant and I minimize my risk as much as I can under most situations as it makes my life so much easier therefore I spend less of my time just spinning my wheels.

~Katana-San~

Yet, as users who install screen protectors on your phones there is no way for y'all to know if the iPhone 16 Pro is softer than previous versions. Other folks here posting with real experiences do know the new phones are far easier to scratch.

Same !! Had scratches after a week while I barely had any with my previous ones. They are not deep, almost look like spider webs, shiny, multi directional and very superficial but still when the screen is off it’s horrible. Such a poor glass quality !!

Same here. I have a lot of scratches on my screen. Looks like a spiderweb. I really am upset. Paid so much for a phone and after a few days this happens. I hope Apple will do something about it. I’ve never had this before with other iPhones. And am a customer for 10+ years. Insane

Same here, 3 days old iPhone 16 pro with a big deep scratch across the screen. My 4 years old iPhone 11 is less scratched and never had any screen protectors. I must admit, i am really disappointed considering premium price you pay!

From all comments here apart from yours, i gather that people are comparing new iPhone 16 to older generations where the screen really was scratch resistant. My 4 years old iphone 11 that i never used any screen protectors on is less scratched than my now 3 weeks old iphone 16pro that allegedly has a super tough screen.

Yes, we can all put a screen protector on but that's not the point here. The point is poor quality of the premium handset.

I have the same problem. I just got this phone today and around the sides I’m finding imperfections. I already had to wait long enough to get this phone so I don’t plan on returning it at all, but it’s upsetting that you pay so much money for it to come in imperfect condition at least a case will hide it though.

Indeed, I am noticing the same issue on my iPhone 16 Pro. I’ve never encountered this problem on my previous iPhones (and I’ve had almost all of them). In short, I think there’s an issue with the materials or at least the quality. I contacted AppleCare, and they refuse to cover this (considering it a cosmetic defect). The glass has to be broken to get a replacement through AppleCare+…

[Edited by Moderator]

I notice that my screen shows a lot of fingerprint marks, and in addition to scratches appearing, it seems like the coating is either missing or has an issue. Who should I contact at Apple to get an answer?

I agree with you 100%. It sounds like your screen isn't working as it should so you might have a case to get a $29 repair/replacement screen via AppleCare due to the scratches impacting usability and not being just cosmetic.

こんにちは I understand Katana-San. But people kept posting I need a screen protector!! Again, if I pay $1000+ for a product I expect better. Just like Hyundai and Kia reponse to USB Cable Hack (My city, hundreds of cases), oh you can just buy the cheap streering lock and gas peddale lock, it will be fine! Really? That is the same as excuse for buying a cheap screen protector!

Hello again ~ Complaints here are only heard by the people posting here…it essentially does no good. I don’t see how Kia or Hyundai got brought into this either. Putting a screen protector on will mitigate further scratches and displeasure for you…that’s all I am trying to point out. Only trying to help you…

~Katana-San~

If you have AppleCare and can demo this to the Genius Bar folks then I think this grounds for getting a $29 replacement/repair.

Thank you for sharing your experience. It is nice to hear others have similar experiences with the iPhone 16 Pro scratching easier than previous models.